Page 10 - MEMS and Microstructures in Aerospace Applications

Osiander / MEMS and microstructures in Aerospace applications DK3181_c001 Final Proof page 1 1.9.2005 11:41am

1 Overview of

Microelectromechanical

Systems and

Microstructures in

Aerospace Applications

Robert Osiander and M. Ann Garrison Darrin

CONTENTS

1.1 Introduction...................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Implications of MEMS and Microsystems in Aerospace............................... 2
1.3 MEMS in Space............................................................................................... 4
1.3.1 Digital Micro-Propulsion Program STS-93 ......................................... 4
1.3.2 Picosatellite Mission............................................................................. 5
1.3.3 Scorpius Sub-Orbital Demonstration ................................................... 5
1.3.4 MEPSI................................................................................................... 5
1.3.5 Missiles and Munitions — Inertial Measurement Units...................... 6
1.3.6 OPAL, SAPPHIRE, and Emerald ........................................................ 6
1.3.7 International Examples......................................................................... 6
1.4 Microelectromechanical Systems and Microstructures
in Aerospace Applications............................................................................... 6
1.4.1 An Understanding of MEMS and the MEMS Vision ......................... 7
1.4.2 MEMS in Space Systems and Instrumentation.................................... 8
1.4.3 MEMS in Satellite Subsystems............................................................ 9
1.4.4 Technical Insertion of MEMS in Aerospace Applications................ 10
1.5 Conclusion ..................................................................................................... 11
References............................................................................................................... 12

The machine does not isolate man from the great problems of nature but plunges him
more deeply into them.
Saint-Exupe ´ry, Wind, Sand, and Stars, 1939

1.1 INTRODUCTION

To piece together a book on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and micro-
structures for aerospace applications is perhaps foolhardy as we are still in the

1
© 2006 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC